Orange County Burglary Attorney

Have you been accused of first-degree burglary or second-degree burglary in Orange County? If so, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights. At Frances Prizzia Criminal Defense Lawyers, we have defended countless clients against accusations of theft crimes. Now, we will form a strong defense strategy for you as well.

A criminal conviction can change your life forever. We believe everyone is innocent until proven guilty. Learn more about burglary charges in California below. Then, contact us to schedule a case consultation.

Why You Need Our Orange County Burglary Attorney to Defend You

Being accused of burglary in Orange County is a serious matter with considerable legal consequences. Our Orange County burglary attorney understands the gravity of these charges and their impact on your life, including potential jail time, fines, and a criminal record.

We are dedicated to providing a vigorous defense for our clients, leveraging our extensive knowledge of California burglary laws and courtroom experience. We aim to protect your rights, challenge the prosecution's case, and seek the best possible outcome for your situation.

Our approach involves thoroughly investigating the charges against you, from the circumstances of the alleged burglary to the evidence the prosecution intends to use. We scrutinize every detail for weaknesses in the prosecution's case and work tirelessly to build a strong defense strategy on your behalf.

Knowing that every case is unique, we tailor our defense to fit your specific circumstances, ensuring personalized attention and representation. With our Orange County burglary attorney fighting for you, you can have confidence in the legal support you receive throughout this challenging time.

Burglary Charges In California

Are you facing criminal charges for burglary or any other theft crime? If so, you must speak with an Orange County criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. California comes down hard on theft crimes and punishes them to the fullest extent of the law. Only an experienced and skilled defense attorney can help you overcome these serious accusations.

The criminal justice system can be confusing and unfeeling; however, our justice system was designed to protect you from unfair prosecution and sentencing. You have a right to an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side, and you are considered innocent in the eyes of the law until proven guilty.

Are you accused of burglary in Orange County? Let us know what happened. We will review your case for free, so call (714) 362-0157 or contact us online now.

What to Know about Burglary Charges in California

Burglary in California is often charged under California Penal Code 459. Burglary is the act of entering a residential or commercial structure, including a locked vehicle, with the intent to commit petit larceny, grand larceny, or any other felony offense.

There are multiple types of burglary, including first-degree burglary and second-degree burglary. Understanding the differences between them is important.

First-Degree Burglary

First-degree burglary is specifically covered under California Penal Code 460. Also called residential burglary, it refers to the burglary of an inhabited dwelling house, trailer home, floating home, or vessel. In California, first-degree burglary is always a felony. It could be punished by up to six years in prison. It is a strike under California law, but could be a super-strike if someone is home when the act takes place.

Second-Degree Burglary

Second-degree burglary is burglary of a non-residence. It is defined as entering a business with the intention of stealing goods or items worth up to $950. Also called a commercial burglary, this is a wobbler. It can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. If charged as a misdemeanor, it could be punished by up to one year in jail. If charged as a felony, it could be punished by up to three years in prison. If the action was outside of business hours, or if over $950 worth of goods were removed, then this could persuade the prosecutor to charge the crime as a felony.

In addition, regular burglary can be escalated to a felony strike or robbery if force or fear is used. This is called estes robbery, and could lead to even more severe penalties.

If you are arrested for burglary, you might be wondering what to do next. There are several important points to keep in mind.

What to Do if You Are Accused of Burglary in Orange County

1. Remain silent. If you are accused of burglary, exercise your right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in court.
2. Contact an attorney. Contact our Orange County burglary attorney to represent you and guide you through the legal process as soon as possible.
3. Do not consent to searches. Without a warrant, you can refuse searches of your property or belongings.
4. Gather evidence. If you have any evidence that could prove your innocence or shed light on the situation, start collecting it immediately.
5. Write down everything you remember. Document all the details of your whereabouts and actions when the alleged burglary occurred.
6. Avoid discussing your case. Do not talk about your case with anyone other than your attorney, as conversations can be misconstrued.
7. Follow your attorney's advice. Trust in the guidance and strategy provided by your lawyer as they work to defend your rights and interests.

Potential Defenses We Can Use

• Mistaken identity. We can argue that you were wrongly identified as the perpetrator, especially in cases relying heavily on eyewitness testimony, which can be unreliable.
• Alibi. We can present an alibi defense if you were elsewhere during the alleged burglary and have evidence to support your whereabouts.
• Lack of intent. Burglary requires intent to commit theft or another felony inside the premises. We can challenge the prosecution's claim that you had such intent.
• Consent to enter. If you had permission to be on the property, it's not burglary. We can argue that you believed you had consent to enter.
• Illegal search and seizure. Evidence obtained through unlawful police procedures can be suppressed. If your rights were violated during the investigation, we might have grounds to have the evidence thrown out.

Aggravating and Mitigating Factors at Sentencing

Aggravating factors, such as a prior criminal record or weapon use during the burglary, can lead to harsher sentences. These elements suggest a higher degree of culpability, making the crime more severe in the eyes of the law.

On the other hand, mitigating factors can work in your favor. They could reduce the severity of your sentence. These might include the absence of a defendant's criminal history, evidence of remorse, or actions that did not lead to physical harm or huge loss.

Our Orange County burglary attorney will work diligently to highlight mitigating factors supporting a lighter sentence while challenging or minimizing the impact of aggravating circumstances. Awareness of these factors is needed in negotiating plea deals or presenting your case at sentencing.

We aim to ensure that the court sees the full picture, including any circumstances that might warrant a more lenient approach.

BURGLARY DEFENSE ATTORNEY IN IRVINE

Do you need an attorney for a burglary case? If you have been accused of burglary, you need to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

The Law Office of Frances Prizzia aggressively defends clients utilizing years of experience and ample resources. We have experience defending clients against an array of charges, including accusations of burglary, theft, shoplifting, and even assault. We will not back down in the face of persistent prosecution and will uncompromisingly defend our client's positions and rights. Facing criminal charges is difficult. We are here to listen if you want to speak with us. Please call our firm today. Let our seasoned attorney can thoroughly review your case.

If you have been charged with burglary and would like to know your best course of action, contact an Orange County burglary attorney from the firm.

Potential Penalties for a Burglary Conviction in California

Potential penalties for a burglary conviction are as follows:

• First-Degree Burglary: Always a felony, could lead to up to six years in prison
• Misdemeanor Second-Degree Burglary: Up to one year in jail
• Felony Second-Degree Burglary: Up to three years in prison

Our Orange County Burglary Attorney Will Provide a Robust Defense

When you choose our Orange County burglary attorney, you're securing a defender committed to fighting for your rights and freedom. We understand the complexities of burglary cases and the nuances of California law that can affect the outcome of your case.

Our legal team is prepared to deploy various strategies to defend you, from challenging the prosecution's evidence to negotiating for reduced charges or sentences. We're here to provide you with the legal support you need during this difficult time.

We believe in a personalized approach to legal defense, recognizing that every client's situation is unique. Our attorney will work closely with you to understand your side of the story, exploring every avenue for a strong defense.

With our comprehensive legal knowledge and commitment to our clients, we strive to achieve the best possible results, whether that means a case dismissal, acquittal, or minimized legal consequences. Trust our Orange County burglary attorney to stand up for you and provide the robust defense you deserve.

Contact Frances Prizzia Criminal Defense Lawyers to Schedule a Free Case Consultation With Our Orange County Burglary Attorney

If you're facing criminal charges and need expert legal representation, don't hesitate to contact Frances Prizzia, Criminal Defense Lawyers. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the robust defense you deserve, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way. We even have experience defending against accusations of domestic violence.

With our commitment to excellence and proven track record of success, we're here to help you navigate this challenging time. Contact us to schedule your free case consultation today.